Commission's communication on interoperability

On 13 February 2006, the Commission issued a communication on interoperability for pan – European eGovernment services (COM (2006) 45 final). The communication calls upon member states to collaborate so that interoperability is realized at European level.

The communication identifies interoperability as a key element for the delivery of eGovernment services in the EU where multiple government layers – cross border, national, regional and local – are involved.

In this context, where disparate actors need to exchange information and communicate, it is essential that the technical, organisational and semantic aspects of interoperability are addressed. Therefore, the Commission wishes to collaborate closely with the member states to set priorities, establish policy documents, guidelines and technical recommendations, thus encouraging further standardisation and interoperability.